The Manchester Derby

Man City 1 - 0 Man United

The first Manchester derby for LVG in his role as Man United manager. 

It was a derby that had no real clear cut favourite to win. Manchester City on the back of back to back defeats against other United's in West Ham and Newcastle (who knocked them out of the Carling Cup) and looking very nervous and not really having that killer instinct that made them champions the season before, and a Manchester United squad that had a good result against a strong Chelsea team, building in confidence, but have yet to win away this season, still struggling with key injuries (especially in defence) and their worst start to a season since 1990. If you had to pick though, the majority of answers would be a result for the blues. 

The game was an interesting spectacle and started well. United were controlling the possession and were passing the ball well. The return of Rooney who had been placed in the middle of the park was causing a few issues for the likes of Toure and Fernando as the absence of Silva was evident. He and Fellani was able to fire intricate passing around the middle of the park. What was noticeable as that the defence of United were looking comfortable in dealing with any attack that came their way. Yes City had a few chances that caused De Gea to make saves but that was all. His opposite number Hart was mere a spectator. 

In big games such as these they usually take a turn with either a stroke of genius or stupidity. This game was the latter. Chris Smalling had picked up an early yellow card by standing in front of Hart as he tried to kick the ball from his hands to release a counter attack. This, in today's games is a yellow card and stupid one to pick up. He now had to be careful in his decision making when making a challenge. This though wasn't the case. 30 minutes into the game he mistimed a lunge which gave the ref no hesitation in giving Smalling his marching orders. 

This was not what LVG had in mind as prior to today's game he had said that they must not go to 10 men as they had a plan, unfortunately that plan was ruined. 

United fans must now be worried that they were now in for another thumping. With the sending off a tactical change saw the return of Carrick. Maybe a wise head would settle the nerves that were rapidly increasing. 

City had 3 good penalty shouts turned away. The ref may have been unsighted but they all were penalties. The one way traffic continued from the blue have of the city and the goal came from the inform Aguero who netted his 10th of the season. Given the chance he will score. 

To be fair to United they didn't back down or cave in. In fact they had more glorious chances themselves to score but a good save from Hart, and mis-timed header ensured that Manchester City kept their lead. There was more injury concerns for United as Rojo, who has been showing improvement in each of his games slid into a tackle and his body position as he slid resulted in him dislocating his shoulder. He required urgent treatment and looked to be in pain was rolled onto the stretcher and was given oxygen and received an ovation from both sets of fans.  The last 20 minutes of the game were a nervous 20 minutes for City. They looked rushed, panicked in their passing, and the Reds were trying to get that equaliser. It never came and City take the 3 points off their neighbours. 

A result was that wasn't as straight forward as it suggested. Manchester City having a man advantage, couldn't break United down. They panicked in the closing parts of the game and showed a vulnerability that when pushed can allow teams in through on goal. They may not have been so lucky in another occasion. United, again showed that they are building in confidence and put in a performance that their fans would be happy with considering that they were a man light, had more injuries and an inexperienced defence. If they had a full strength squad and 11 men than this result may have been completely different. 

LVG has had a torrid start to his Manchester United career, but you can see what he is trying to install. With Blind and Di Maria settling in very quickly and the improving signs of Rojo he must be impressed and is sure to know that the result will start coming. One thing is for sure he is trying to work out how to stop his players from picking up injuries in training. 

Manchester United vs Chelsea

Man United 1-1 Chelsea. 

The first 'real' test for Man Utd this season as they face Chelsea, who are still undefeated in the league. Chelsea have been playing some great football and are looking more the likely to be the premier league winners (and it's only October). Man Utd have had the easier of the games so far this season but unfortunately the issues that were so evident last season appeal to have carried over to this season. If they can get a win at Old Trafford them that surely is the boost they would need to go on to better results. 

Louis Van Gaal still has defence concerns as there was another new defence partnership in this crunch game. Smalling with Rojo. Another inexperienced pairing, were they able to keep out a formidable strike force in Drogba, Hazard and Oscar? Yes Chelsea didn't have Costa, but the strength and experience of Drogba is as good as any replacement for the in form Brazilian. Rojo has played every game since his arrival and there are signs of an improving player. With more games he surely will cement his place in the Utd defence. Smalling is a player that produces inconsistent performances and the Utd faithful are praying that he has what it takes. 

There were also more injury concerns for Man Utd as Phil Jones and Falcao both picked up injuries in training and a suspended Rooney, with Chelsea without Costa and Remy meant that tonights game may not have been as explosive as one would expect. 

The first half started in a predictable fashion. Chelsea applied pressure from the off and they ended up with domination number of corners. And from these corners straight away it was clear to see that there was a mismatch in who Man Utd were going to mark. Chelsea have a towering team and this cause problems in the Utd box. One incident questioned the officials in the game as both John Terry and Ivanovic were bundled to the ground in some fashion but no decision was given. Shawcross who plays for Stoke surely would have had something to say as he was penalised for a similar offence. Utd though started to control the half and they even could have take the lead a couple of time but for the new Chelsea number 1 Courtois keeping the score level. 

Second half was the opposite with good chances following mainly for Chelsea. What's seems to be happening this season at Old Trafford, and at away games in that Man Utd seem to retract into their shell and allow the pressure on themselves. The blue wave continued to push and they would have got their lead but for a superb save from De Gea which thwarted Hazard, however, from resulting corner the poor marking that was clearly easy to to see let Drogba head in a powerful header in at the near post. From there Chelsea's tactics changed and they then looked to see the game out. 

It's was looking as Mourinho had his tactics carried out the way he wanted but an unfortunate red card for Ivanovic in 93rd minute cost them the win. It was unfortunate in the sense that it may have not been malicious but in today's game, when an attacker has the advantage and cuts I corny of the defender, and form of contact will result in a card. In Ivanovic's card it was his second yellow.  From the free kick, another good save from Courtois fell kindly to Robin Van Persie who smashed in the equaliser. He celebrated in the fashion of player and team that were desperate in the the results to fall their way by taking his shirt off, only to be deemed stupid by Van Gaal. 

It was a game that United needed, to test the philosophy the LVG is trying to implement and against a good Chelsea squad this was definitely the  result they needed. 

Chelsea under Mourinho are dangerous, tactics are spot on, but sometimes pushing too hard has cost them games. Chelsea have been to Manchester twice and only managed a draw on both times.   

Burnley - Everton

Burnley - Everton

From a neutrals perspective this was actually difficult to choose who would win this game. 

On one hand Burnley have yet to win in the Premier League and that has to end sooner or later, and against a jet-lagged Everton who got through a tough European away game that could be during this game. 

But on the other, a strong Everton squad that are playing well in Europe, growing in confidence and again are due to start stringing results together and challenging for that champions league spot. 

The match was very entertaining, for home and away fans and also the neutrals. Burnley having being promoted this year and who are wanting to survive a season got off the the worst possible start. Eto'o headed a fine move within the first 5 minutes. Against a young inexperienced team, the knowledge he has gained throughout the years clearly puts him in a class of his own. Not what Burnley fans were wanting. 

Burnley though didn't cave in and they got their rewards by getting the equaliser through the fully fit again  Ings who had rounded Howard to score. Albeit with a little help from a mis placed pass from Lukaku. However the Belgium made amends by scoring Everton's 2nd of the game on 29minutes. He is now is starting to pay back the transfer fee that was paid for him. 

Everton's dominance continued in the second half and they managed possession well. Martinez is clearly showing his credentials as a top flight manager and the way he structures his team deserves all the credit that comes his way. 

The inevitable 3rd goal came late on and it was again the veteran striker Eto'o showing the viewings public he still can score world class goal. From the edge of the box he used the Burnley defence to shield the view of the keeper and he guided his shot around into the far corner. Very slick and very tidy. 

The problems are growing for Burnley as they lose again and for that, if it's not stopped quickly then they are in serious danger of getting the worst points collected by a premier league team. They have one of the worst tackling stats in the league and this is not helping the amount of goals they are conceding. 

A comfortable win for the toffee's taking a 3-1 win from Turf Moor. 

Still more problems?

After the full time whistle it was clear to see that all is still not well at Manchester United. And the thing is, everyone is able to see where the problems lie. 

Another change in defence, another new partnership. Jones alongside Rojo. Is Van Gaal still unsure of who the best partnership is as since the new season started his has used 5 central defenders. Now I know injuries really have caused an issue but considering how active The Reds have been over the summer, is was somewhat a surprise that no new defenders were signed. Yes Shaw is a defender that was brought in this summer but that was before Van Gaal took charge. Was he seeing something that we don't know? 

From the statistics from the West Brom game, Man Utd completely dominated. Possession, corners, shots but the score line confirmed the ongoing issues. For both of the goals conceded, defenders were out of place, they were trying to close down the opposition, but with that was their undoing. Quick intricate passing enables the Baggies to swiftly counter and punish their opposing team. And also to be fair, both goals were very well taken. 

It is clear to see that from midfield, Blind onwards, there is no issues whatsoever. Man Utd have a very dangerous attack. Scoring goals? No problems. I have no hesitation is saying that Falcao will achieve 15+ goals this season. 

In January new arrivals will again be talked about. It's a sure thing. Will they, however, be able to secure that marquee player to provide that stability, even if it's to help the inexperienced settle down. Become more comfortable in their surroundings? There are already rumours of Pique, Hummels, Alvez, buts that's what they are, rumours. 

One thing is for sure though is that Van Gall has to sort the defence out, and he will, but he has to install the fear back into the team so that when teams come up against his side, they panic, crumble, buckle under the pressure when they stand opposite the Devils. Old Trafford will be a fortress again. 

 

QPR 2:3 Liverpool

Super Sunday is back again and this early afternoon game saw QPR take on Liverpool. From the statistics we were presuming that this would be a one way game and the result predictable. Fortunately we were left watching a very entertaining game. 

The opening 10 minutes were completely dominated by QPR and they were unlucky not to take the lead through Austin. He powered his way through Johnson and Skrtel but couldn't get his shot away in time. 

QPR were intent on and succeeding in stopping Liverpool having any possession, but also stopping the fast, high pressured approach that they have been adopting under Rodgers. You may be forgiven for questioning QPR's position in the league as they were playing with intent and confidence. Can they get that goal that is so precious for them?

The crossbar was rattled and QPR again, should have taken the lead. Another quick passing exchange led the ball being played square across the box only for Fer to strike the ball against the bar. It seems that Fer was playing the crossbar challenge as again, the ball hits the bar. This time it falls in front of goal, a goal mouth scrabble and Liverpool were able to clear away. 

Liverpool must have been wanting half time to arrive a lot quick then QPR did, but they nearly snatched a cheeky goal against the run of play. Gerrard had found himself in the box, and placing a shot just wide of the goal. And another quick break from the reds resulted a poor effort from Balotelli receiving some stern words from his team mates who had joined him on the attack. 

Brendan Rodgers had identified that QPR were causing lots of issues through the centre with balls directed to Zamora, and he moved Gerrard back into a more defensive role to try and snuff out future danger. This did have an effect on the way the QPR played, but it also enabled Liverpool to build on their poor first half. It nearly paid off but that man Balotelli missed a glorious chance when a saved shot fell kindly to him only for him to blaze the ball high over the top. 

The first goal of the game is one that is never going to be remembered as the goal of the season. Sterling won a free kick close to the corner flag, and as the players for QPR protested, he and Johnson took a quick free kick where Johnson played the ball across the goal for Dunn to deflect into his own goal. Very harsh, and some say undeserved, but they all count. 

The equaliser came late late on. And from another set piece. A floated ball from the half way line into the Liverpool box was not fully cleared and as the ball was played back into the box, it was headed back across goal for Vargas to pounce and score a goal that QPR have deserved all game. 

A great ending to the game and a great counter attack from Liverpool gave them their lead back. A quick turn and break from Sterling resulted in Coutinho to bury to ball into the bottom corner. However, that wasn't the end of the entertainment as straight from kick off QPR got a corner and super sub Vargos ghosted across Henderson to head in. What a great 10 minutes of football. 

We did see a winner, and another own goal. From a QPR free kick Liverpool again showed how dangerous they are on the counter attack. Sterling again showing his pace (must have had a good rest over the international break) to get onto a through ball, and as he passed the ball across the goal, Caulker couldn't sort his feet out and unfortunately deflected into his goal. 

QPR were unlucky not to get anything from the game as they did play very well, and the admittance from Gerrard proved that. Credit Liverpool for not giving up and they showed that you must always press up to the last whistle and you may get something in return.